Applications are due in April for a business program in New Mexico focused on entrepreneurs with technologies that could benefit national security efforts.
The program, called New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program (LEEP), is put on by Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corp. And now, Sandia National Laboratories is getting involved.
The program requires relocation to northern New Mexico, according to a March 8 news release, and the cohort is two years long. Those interested can apply at this link.
New Mexico LEEP program manager Lindsay Mapes urged potential applicants to think beyond what the term "National security" may imply. For example, “climate change is a national security concern," she said.
According to Mapes, prior fundraising is not a requirement.
Participants selected for the second cohort are to receive an annual stipend of up to $120,000 in addition to health insurance and a travel allowance along with reimbursement for relocation. Plus, selected fellows will receive support for advancing technologies in partnership with a laboratory, according to the release.
“New Mexico LEEP is a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs addressing national security challenges to draw from national laboratory expertise, mentorship, access to seed capital, and a tailored curriculum designed to set them up for success,” said Lauren McDaniel, interim director of Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation, in a statement.
LEEP's first cohort launched in January. It has three participants:
- Kristina Trujillo of TNeuroPharma in Albuquerque
- Kam Wai Chan of OAM Photonics
- Srikanth Kodeboyina of Blue Eye Soft in South Carolina
Trujillo's company is trying to commercialize a product meant to detect Alzheimer's disease prior to any neurological damage occurring.
"I initially applied because I wanted to utilize the LANL's technical expertise to optimize my Alzheimer's essay. This is definitely something that LANL is providing, but they are also providing much more," Trujillo told Business First in a March 9 email.
"We have regular trainings on the business aspects of the company — pitching, fundraising, preparing an executive summary. They also have provided mentors that have successfully built tech companies before," according to Trujillo's email. "The mentors also have connections and networks outside of New Mexico. These connections are very helpful for building the team as well as for fundraising."
